Through Parent Pathways, Muswellbrook Mum Matilda is Building the Future She Deserves
When Matilda enrolled in the Parent Pathways program in Muswellbrook with Mai-Wel, she had goals, drive, and a clear vision for her future. What she needed was the right support to get there.
More than 12 months on, the Muswellbrook mum has completed multiple qualifications, secured her own work placement at a local horse stud, and is well on her way to a career she has always wanted. Her story is a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when the right support meets the right person.
About Parent Pathways
Parent Pathways is an Australian Government initiative delivered across the Hunter by Mai-Wel. It supports parents and carers to overcome barriers to employment, offering personalised mentoring, training support, and practical assistance to help participants build skills, confidence, and pathways into work.
Mai-Wel’s Parent Pathways Muswellbrook and Singleton teams provide tailored support to each participant’s circumstances, whether that is accessing financial assistance for training, finding flexible study options, or simply having someone in their corner when things get hard.
Finding a Way Through
For Matilda, the program meant navigating rural training limitations, an unexpected medical emergency, and limited placement options for her animal services studies. Rather than let any of it stop her, she reached out to local horse studs directly and secured her own placement, leading to enrolment in a Certificate III in Horse Breeding.
“I just knew I had to make it work. The program gave me the support and the confidence to take that step myself,” Matilda said.
Since commencing the program, she has also completed qualifications in First Aid, CPR, RSA, RCG, and Creative Writing, and updated her resume for the first time, a milestone she describes as making her feel prepared and ready for the workforce.
Matilda has also experienced a significant increase in confidence, particularly in her communication skills, and has become more socially engaged and open to new opportunities, thanks to the support of the Mai-Wel Parent Pathways Muswellbrook team.
What the Team Has Witnessed
Racheal Blaxell, Senior Manager Employment Programs at Mai-Wel, reflected on Matilda’s journey.
“Matilda’s determination has been incredible to witness. She has faced real challenges and found a way through every single one.”
What Comes Next
Matilda is continuing her journey with plans to complete further training, participate in community activities, and progress toward employment through work placement opportunities. She is now also referring other parents to the program, a sign of just how much it has meant to her.
If you are a parent or carer looking to build your skills and confidence, Parent Pathways could be the next step.
